In The Connection, Goodrow played the young, intense, morose, would-be jazz musician Ernie, a heroin addict whose horn is more often than not at the pawn shop.
The Malone, New York-born Goodrow was a member of the Living Theater and appeared in the stage and film productions of The Connection.
He was a founding member of San Francisco's satirical improvisational group The Committee (improv group) and went on to over 50 screen appearances, including film roles in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969), Gold (1972), Steelyard Blues (1973), Linda Lovelace for President (1975), Stay Hungry (1976), American Hot Wax (1978), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978), Escape from Alcatraz (1979), Cardiac Arrest (1980), The Hollywood Knights (1980), Breathless (1983), The Prey (1984), My Man Adam (1985), The Longshot (1986), Dirty Dancing (1987), and Circuitry Man (1990).
In 1973, he appeared in National Lampoon's Lemmings, which featured relative unknowns John Belushi and Chevy Chase.
Tour, in the early 1970s, featuring actors Jane Fonda, Larry Hankin, Donald Sutherland, Peter Boyle, Howard Hesseman, singers Holly Near, Barbara Dane, and many others.